Dancers and choreographers

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From ancient times to the present, dancers have expressed ideas, stories, rhythm and sound with their bodies. They use a variety of dance forms that allow free movement and self-expression, including classical ballet, modern dance and culturally specific dance styles.

Dancers perform in a variety of settings, such as musical productions, and may present folk, ethnic, tap, jazz and other popular kinds of dance. They also perform in opera, musical theater, television, movies, music videos and commercials, in which they may sing and act. Dancers most often perform as part of a group.

Many dancers work with choreographers, who create original dances and develop new interpretations of existing dances. Because few dance routines are written down, choreographers instruct performers at rehearsals to achieve the desired effect. In addition, choreographers often are involved in auditioning performers.

Dance is strenuous. Many dancers stop performing by their late 30s because of the physical demands on the body. Some continue to work in the field as choreographers, dance teachers and coaches or artistic directors. Others move into administrative positions, such as company manager.

Daily rehearsals require very long hours. Many dance companies tour for part of the year to supplement a limited performance schedule at home. Dancers who perform in musical productions and other family entertainment spend much of their time on the road; others work in nightclubs or on cruise ships. Most dance performances are in the evening, while rehearsals and practice take place during the day.

Training and qualifications

Many dancers and dance instructors believe dancers should start with a good foundation in classical dance before selecting a particular dance style. Ballet training for women usually begins at 5 to 8 years old. Serious training traditionally begins between 10 and 12. Men often begin their ballet training between 10 and 15. Formal training for modern and culturally specific dancers often begins later than training in ballet.

Dancers normally spend eight hours a day in class and rehearsal. Some dancers view formal education as secondary, but a broad, general education including music, literature, history and the visual arts is helpful in the interpretation of dramatic episodes, ideas and feelings.

Many colleges and universities confer bachelor's or master's degrees in dance, typically through departments of music, theater or fine arts. Many dancers obtain degrees in unrelated fields to prepare themselves for careers after dance. A college program in dance and education is essential in order to qualify to teach dance in college, high school or elementary school. Colleges and conservatories sometimes require graduate degrees, but may accept performance experience. Studio schools usually require teachers to have experience as performers.

Self-discipline, patience, perseverance and a devotion to dance are essential for success in the field. Dancers must possess good problem-solving skills and an ability to work with people. Good health and physical stamina also are necessary attributes. Above all, dancers must have flexibility, agility, coordination, grace, a sense of rhythm, a feeling for music and a creative ability to express themselves through movement.

Dancers seldom perform unaccompanied, so they must be able to function as part of a team. They should be highly motivated and prepared to face the anxiety of intermittent employment and rejections when auditioning for work.

Choreographers typically are older dancers with years of experience in the theater. Through their performance as dancers, they develop reputations as skilled artists that often lead to opportunities to choreograph productions.

Job outlook

Employment of dancers and choreographers is expected to increase about as fast as the average for all occupations through 2010, reflecting the public's continued interest in this form of artistic expression. But funding from public and private organizations is not expected to keep pace with rising production costs, resulting in slower employment growth. The number of applicants will continue to vastly exceed the number of job openings. Only the most talented find regular employment.

National dance companies should continue to provide most jobs in this field. Opera companies and dance groups affiliated with colleges and universities and with television and motion pictures also will offer some opportunities. The growing popularity of dance in recent years has resulted in increased opportunities to teach. Music video channels will provide some opportunities for both dancers and choreographers.

Earnings

Professional dancers and choreographers held about 26,000 jobs at any one time in 2000. Many others were between engagements, so that the total number of people available for work as dancers over the course of the year was greater. Earnings of many professional dancers are governed by union contracts.

Median annual earnings of dancers were $22,470 in 2000. Median annual earnings were $29,980 in the producers, orchestras and entertainers industry and $16,290 in eating and drinking places.

Median annual earnings of choreographers were $27,010 in 2000. Median annual earnings were $25,860 in dance studios, schools and halls.

Related links

For information about dance and a list of accredited college-level programs:

National Association of Schools of Dance, 11250 Roger Bacon Dr., Suite 21, Reston, VA 20190.

Dance/USA, 1156 15th St. NW., Suite 820, Washington, DC 20005.

Adapted from the Labor Department's Occupational Handbook.